The Jacksonville Civil Service Board decided to uphold JEA’s decision to terminate Corbett Cornett, who was fired after allegedly getting into several crashes on the job.
A reprimand letter sent to Cornett from JEA on Jan. 3 and obtained by Action News Jax states in part, "Your record demonstrates that you present an unacceptable risk to yourself, to your coworkers, and to the public."
The most recent incident occurred on Dec. 3, 2018 when he allegedly hit a passing vehicle while leaving a treatment plant.
Action News Jax learned JEA issued Cornett a 24-month warning in May 2017 after he allegedly collided with a minivan driven by a pregnant woman in February of that year. The warning informed Cornett another violation may result in dismissal.
He’s also accused of hitting a bicyclist who suffered injuries in May of 2014. JEA claims to have received multiple complaints describing Cornett as an aggressive driver from 2014 to 2016.
JEA’s attorney argued, successfully, the incidents revealed Cornett’s driving was a safety risk to the public.
Cornett’s attorney questioned whether JEA followed their own guidelines for progressive discipline.
Moreover, the board motioned to not to uphold a suspension that went into effect recently, which makes him eligible for compensation until the board’s final order is complete.
Cox Media Group
